MARSHALL, Minn. – Southwest Minnesota State University head wrestling coach Jesse Nelson announced on Tuesday that high school standouts Taylor Curtis of Underwood, Iowa, and Eugene Martin from Bryant, S.D., have signed a letters of intent to continue their academic and wrestling careers at SMSU.
Curtis, a senior at Underwood High School, is a two-time Iowa Class 1A state qualifier, including earning third place honors at 106 lbs. as a junior last spring. He has a career record of 118-38 entering his senior season.
“Taylor is an excellent student-athlete and has proven himself to be one of the top lightweights in Iowa,” Nelson said. “He is projected to compete at 125 lbs. for the Mustangs. We expect big things from Taylor and are very excited to welcome him to the program.”
Martin, a senior at Kingsbury County High School, is currently ranked No. 15 in the country at 195 lbs., according to the WIN Magazine High School national rankings. A four-time South Dakota Class B state qualifier, Martin won the state championship last spring at 182 lbs., while placing sixth at 160 lbs. during his freshman and sophomore seasons. Martin also earned USA Wrestling Cadet National Freestyle All-American honors at 182 lbs. and USA Wrestling Junior National Greco All-American accolades at 195 lbs.
“We are very excited to welcome Eugene to the SMSU wrestling program,” Nelson said. “He is projected to compete at 197 lbs. for SMSU and will study ag business management. He has proven himself on a state and national level. He is one of the top wrestlers in the nation at 195 lbs and we expect him to make an immediate impact on the program.”
SMSU begins its 2012-13 dual season on Nov. 30 at Concordia-Moorhead.
SMSU, located in Marshall, Minn., is a member of NCAA Division II and competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.